Teach, Teacher

Although several Hebrew words are translated "teach" in English translations of the Old Testament, two words predominate: yara [h'r"y], "to point out, " and lamad [d;m'l], "to goad." In the New Testament Greek words more frequently used are didasko [didavskw], "to teach, " katecheo [kathcevw], "to instruct systematically, " matheteuo [maqhteuvw], "to train disciples, " paideuo [paideuvw], "to train, instruct, " noutheteo [nouqetevw], "to correct, counsel, " parangello [paraggevllw], "to command, order, " and paradido [paradivdw], "to hand down tradition."

The variety and extent of this biblical vocabulary make it clear that teaching is at the heart of God's plan for redemptive history. God as the ultimate Teacher has mandated in Scripture that teaching occur in two primary contexts, both of which arise from his creative and redemptive Acts. God delegates teaching to the family and the redeemed community. Both institutions explain his gracious initiative in redemption and urge a loving, obedient response. God's gracious initiative places his people in covenant relationship with him in which parents teach their children and spiritually gifted leaders of the people of God teach its members. Thus, the following discussion will focus on teaching in the nuclear family and in the extended family, the people of God.

The creation of Adam and Eve signaled the institution of the family ( Gen 1:26-28 ; 2:18-25 ; 4:1 ; 5:1-2 ). God intended the promises of the Mosaic covenant for parents and their children ( Deut 6:1-2 ). The fifth commandment underlined the sacred character of the family by commanding children to honor their parents ( Exod 20:12 ; cf. Deut 5:16 ). Cursing one's parents was a capital offense ( Exodus 21:15 Exodus 21:17 ; Deut 21:18-21 ; 27:16 ). The New Testament confirms Old Testament teaching that heterosexual monogamy is the ideal family setting for the teaching of children ( Matthew 19:4-6 Matthew 19:19 ; 1 Cor 5:1 ; 6:16 ; Eph 5:31 ; 6:1-3 ; 1 Peter 3:7 ).